Letter from the President
W
elcome to the Spring issue of Lagniappe. Spring is a time for renewal and growth. It is also in the Spring when Junior League of New Orleans honors our Sustainer of the Year. This once-a-year award is the highest honor given by the league. And it is with the utmost excitement that we announce the 2022 Junior League of New Orleans Sustainer of the Year Laura Shields. The Sustainer of the Year award is based upon a lifelong commitment to volunteer service in the community. Laura Shields exemplifies and embodies JLNOs mission to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As you will read, this year’s recipient made a tremendous impact by giving her time and talents to many organizations in the New Orleans area. We are extremely proud of the impact our members make in the community. This impact is seen through our programs such as our partnership with the Abolish movement, WE fellowship and through member experiences shared in the article League Talks. I want to thank the 2021-2022 Board of Directors for all your hard work and dedication. You have led with grace. We have grown together professionally and personally. It is one of my greatest honors that I have had the pleasure of working and learning from each one of you. Lastly, I thank you for your support of JLNO as we continue our legacy of Women Leading for a Greater New Orleans. #makingadifference Thank you,
Photo by: Jessica Bachmann
Shannon Brice, 2022 President
Letter from the Editor
T
oday marks the first day of women's history month and I am very excited to introduce our readers to the Junior League of New Orleans 2022 Sustainer of the Year Laura Shields. As you will read in our feature article she comes from a long line of not only Junior League of New Orleans members, but also Sustainer of the Year recipients! This honor is a testament to her dedication to JLNO, the community, and family values. Speaking of women's history month, we recognize the efforts of all of the amazing women that have broken barriers, pushed forward to advance our lives, and spoken up for those unable to. Although it may seem difficult to feel like we are making a historical difference in the lives of those around us at the moment, I feel it is important to pause and reflect. As an educator and mother it is sometimes difficult to recognize the long term impact of our day to day actions. The students that I taught years ago that came to me unable to read and some not yet able to communicate are now in high school thriving with the foundational skills learned in Kindergarten. Our collective efforts may not be on the news, but they are life changing for sure. From signing up for a volunteer shift at the JLNO diaper bank to supporting fundraising efforts that further the reach of advancing the wellbeing of women. When women are supported in the community, we all benefit! In this issue we feature a Q & A of ways members can stay active and connected to the league during the age of Zoom. Our membership has a variety of comfort levels and JLNO is happy to provide opportunities for members to participate in person as well as virtually to accommodate the varying needs of our members. For those members who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or at a standstill, take this as your opportunity to take small steps to reconnect to the league, invest in your community, and lean on your fellow JLNO member. No one person can do the work alone, but if we all work together doing what we can, when we can, in the capacity that we have then we can make large historical impacts. By supporting women, JLNO elevates the entire local community.
Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography
Ashley Millet, 2022 Lagniappe Editor
JLNO Lagniappe Spring 2022 | jlno.org
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